Two recent events made chromatics fun and festive. At Generations Hall, the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans held its 12th annual Ladies in Red, marqueed as a Red-Hot Gala. Earlier that day, red, or rouge, was paired with blue and white, or bleu and blanc, to color "Passport to Paris, " given by the Women's Council of Realtors New Orleans Metropolitan Chapter. At the Hilton Riverside, the French tricolore motif with a hint of chic black was omnipresent for the council's 19th annual fashion show and luncheon..

For the "Ladies" levity, the event chaircouples were Alva and Edgar Chase and Keene and Christel Kelley, who shared the limelight with honorary chairmen Quint Davis and David Torkanowsky, and Denise McConduit and Gaynell Lawrence, who chair the PRC's African American Heritage Preservation program. The gala raises funds and awareness for it and its education programs that preserve New Orleans' cultural legacy, as well as the historic architecture and neighborhoods of the program's tradition bearers.

To get "Red"-dy, a patron party took place from 7 until 8 p.m. with music by The George French Band with special guests, including Maynard Chatters and David Torkanowsky. The band, along with Robin Barnes & the Soul Heirs, played during the three-hour main event. During that time, all attention riveted the stage for the awards that pay tribute to the jazz musicians and the institutions that support them, with honors going to Charlie Gabriel, Palm Court Jazz Cafe, Tom Sancton, Gregg Stafford, Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club and Allen Toussaint. Nancy Parker (who also answers to Nancy Parker Boyd) facilitated the formalities as mistress of ceremonies. Particular thanks targeted the many sponsors, the top three categories of which were Entergy New Orleans Inc. and Luzianne Authentic Southern Foods & Beverages (Trumpet King), the Kelleys (Big Band), and the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation and Kathy and Randy Opotowsky (Swing).

A slew of food stations, an auction with countless attractive items, and Al Hirschfeld-type drawings were among the many festive features. Folks raved about the delicious Cajun fried-chicken salad, the cochon de lait and the tempting chocolate truffles. Decorations played up the colorful theme, thanks to a balloon-arched doorway and crystal centerpieces filled with either feathers or flowers. Yet another query was, "What's back-lighted and red all over?" and that was the crimson lighting that made ambiance so party powerful.

Noted among the hosts of hobnobbers were a number of the above, as well as Demetric Mercadel, Marian Wallis and sister-in-law Virginia Miller, Juan Barona and Bob Phillips, and Hal Williams, a former PRC president, who figured on the committee of 29, all trumpeting the "Red" revelry.

At the Hilton, and with Nancy Parker again as the mistress of ceremonies, "Passport to Paris" winged dozens to the City of Light. It was decoratively rendered by Mardi Gras Productions via a giant Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and gorgeous red-plumed centerpieces. Gastronomy got a focus, too, as seen and served in the meal of Louisiana spring salad, chicken cordon bleu, and Valencia orange creme brulee.

Highlights included the presentation of the 2011 Member of the Year Award to April Gonzalez; the door prize and the raffle; the French-type hats and fascinators worn by WCR members; and Liberty Photography and House Calls, respectively for the party pictures and the video. The sartorial salute came from Stein Mart, which mixed Gallic garb and other looks to stage the fashion show. Too Cute Cosmetics did the makeup. Applause was hearty for the messieurs and mesdames who modeled.

The clapping continued with gusto during the eight-act "Who's Got Cabaret Talent?" and the passel of performers, who recalled Maurice Chevalier, Marcel Marceau (in "Mime over Matter"), Josephine Baker and can-can dancers. When the show ended, hoots and hollers made their point, answering a final question, "Didn't we have fun in Paris?" And the answer, "Oui, we did."

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Nell Nolan can be reached at nnolan@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3455.